Cyclone Arnab intensifies into severe storm as coastal states prepare for landfall

Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is heading northwest toward the coast. The India Meteorological Department expects the storm to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds are projected to reach 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 140 kilometres per hour.

Transport and Closures

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28, Odisha on October 28, Chhattisgarh on October 28 and 29, and East Uttar Pradesh on October 29. The South Coast Railway has cancelled 53 train services on October 27 and 28 as a safety measure, while the Andaman and Nicobar administration ordered all schools closed for two days until October 27.

Relief and Official Measures

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered heightened preparedness across the state. In Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, authorities have prohibited sea fishing, closed schools, and kept rescue teams on standby to ensure zero loss of life. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers have been advised to stay in their areas, with dry rations to be delivered directly to doorsteps. Additionally, the Odisha government urged media outlets to avoid speculative or false forecasts, and the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner's Office issued safety guidelines as unseasonal rain is expected there.

Context

Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal routinely bring destructive winds, heavy downpours, and storm surges to the eastern coast of India during the post-monsoon season. Administrative bodies typically respond by evacuating vulnerable populations, halting rail and maritime transit, and positioning disaster relief forces ahead of landfall to minimize casualties.